High performance material for coiled tubing applications and the method of producing the same

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to coiled steel tubes and methods of manufacturing coiled steel tubes. In some embodiments, the final microstructures of the coiled steel tubes across all base metal regions, weld joints, and heat affected zones can be homogeneous. Further, the final microstructure of the coiled steel tube can be a mixture of tempered martensite and bainite.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is related to Applicant's co-pending applicationentitled COILED TUBE WITH VARYING MECHANICAL PROPERTIES FOR SUPERIORPERFORMANCE AND METHODS TO PRODUCE THE SAME BY A CONTINUOUS HEATTREATMENT, Ser. No. 13/229,517, filed Sep. 9, 2011 and published as US2012/0186686 A1 on Jul. 26, 2012, the entirety of which is herebyincorporated by reference.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE TO ANY PRIORITY APPLICATIONS

Any and all applications for which a foreign or domestic priority claimis identified in the Application Data Sheet as filed with the presentapplication are hereby incorporated by reference under 37 CFR 1.57.

BACKGROUND Description of the Related Art

In recent years the use of coiled tubing has been expanded toapplications that require high pressure and extended reach operations.As a consequence, there is a need to produce coiled tubing with elevatedtensile properties in order to withstand: i) axial loads on hanging orpooling long strings, and ii) elevated pressures applied duringoperation.

The standard production of coiled tubing uses as raw material, hotrolled strips with mechanical properties achieved throughmicrostructural refinement during rolling. This refinement is obtainedwith the use of different microalloying additions (Ti, N, V) as well asappropriate selection of hot rolling processing conditions. Theobjective is to control material recrystallization and grain growth inorder to achieve an ultra-fine microstructure. The material is limitedin the use of solid solution alloying elements and precipitationhardening, since refinement is the only mechanism that allows for highstrength and toughness, simultaneously.

This raw material is specified to each supplier, and may require varyingmechanical properties in the hot rolled steel in order to produce coiledtubes with varying mechanical properties as well. As the propertiesincrease, the cost of production and hence the raw material cost alsoincreases. It is known that the strip-to-strip welding process usedduring the assembly of the “long strip” that will be ERW formed/weldedinto the coiled tubing, deteriorates the joining area. Thereafter, thecoiled tubing with increasing properties, tend to have a relativelylower performance on the area of the strip welds. This deterioration iscaused by the fact that the welding processes destroys the refinementintroduced during hot rolling, and there is no simple post weld heattreatment capable of regenerating both tensile and toughness properties.In general tensile is restored but toughness and its associated fatiguelife are deteriorated in this zone. Current industrial route can producehigh strength coiled tubing, only at elevated cost and with poorrelative performance of strip welds joins with respect to pipe body.

One alternative for producing a coiled tubing is through a full bodyheat treatment. This treatment is applied to a material that has beenformed into a pipe in the so called “green” state, because itsproperties are yet to be defined by the heat treatment conditions. Inthis case the main variables affecting the final product properties arethe steel chemistry and the heat treatments conditions. Thereafter, byappropriately combining steel composition with welding material and heattreatment, the coiled tubing could be produced with uniform propertiesacross the length eliminating the weak link of the strip-to-strip jointhat is critical on high strength conventional coiled tubing. Thisgeneral concept has been described before but never applied successfullyto the production of high strength coiled tubing (yield strength in therange from 80 to 140 ksi). The reason being that the heat treatment atelevated line speed (needed to achieve high productivity) will generallyresult in the need for complicated and extended facilities. This processcould be simplified if the appropriated chemistry and heat treatmentconditions are selected.

The selection of the chemistry that is compatible with an industrialheat treatment facility of reasonable dimensions requires of anunderstanding of the many variables that affect coiled tubingperformance measured as: a) Axial Mechanical Properties, b) Uniformityof Microstructure and Properties, c) Toughness, d) Fatigue Resistance,c) Sour Resistance, among others.

SUMMARY

Below is described chemistry designed to produce a heat treated coiledtubing which is mostly outside current limits for coiled tubing as setby API 5ST standard. (Max.C: 0.16%, Max.Mn: 1.2% (CT70-90) Max.Mn: 1.65(CT100-110), Max.P: 0.02% (CT70-90) Max.P: 0.025 (CT100-CT110), Max.S:0.005, Si.Max: 0.5).

Embodiments of this disclosure are for a coiled steel tube and methodsof producing the same. The tube in some embodiments can comprise a yieldstrength higher than about 80 Ksi. The composition of the tube cancomprise 0.16-0.35 wt. % carbon, 0.30-2.00 wt. % manganese, 0.10-0.35wt. % silicon, up to 0.005 wt. % sulfur, up to 0.018 wt. % phosphorus,the remainder being iron and inevitable impurities. The tube can alsocomprise a final microstructure comprising a mixture of temperedmartensite and bainite, wherein the final microstructure of the coiledtube comprises more than 90 volume % tempered martensite, wherein themicrostructure is homogenous in pipe body, ERW line and strip end-to-endjoints.

Disclosed herein is a coiled steel tube formed from a plurality ofwelded strips, wherein the tube can include base metal regions, weldjoints, and their heat affected zones, and can comprise a yield strengthgreater than about 80 ksi, a composition comprising iron and, 0.17-0.35wt. % carbon, 0.30-2.00 wt. % manganese, 0.10-0.30 wt. % silicon,0.010-0.040 wt. % aluminum, up to 0.010 wt. % sulfur, and up to 0.015wt. % phosphorus, and a final microstructure comprising a mixture oftempered martensite and bainite, wherein the final microstructure of thecoiled tube comprises more than 90 volume % tempered martensite in thebase metal regions, the weld joints, and the heat affected zones,wherein the final microstructure across all base metal regions, weldjoints, and heat affected zones is homogeneous, and wherein the finalmicrostructure comprises a uniform distribution of fine carbides acrossthe base metal regions, the weld joints, and the heat affected zones.

In some embodiments, the composition further comprises, up to 1.0 wt. %chromium, up to 0.5 wt. % molybdenum, up to 0.0030 wt. % boron, up to0.030 wt. % titanium, up to 0.50 wt. % copper, up to 0.50 wt. % nickel,up to 0.1 wt. % niobium, up to 0.15 wt. % vanadium, up to 0.0050 wt. %oxygen, and up to 0.05 wt. % calcium.

In some embodiments, the composition can comprise 0.17 to 0.30 wt. %carbon, 0.30 to 1.60 wt. % manganese, 0.10 to 0.20 wt. % silicon, up to0.7 wt. % chromium, up to 0.5 wt. % molybdenum, 0.0005 to 0.0025 wt. %boron, 0.010 to 0.025 wt. % titanium, 0.25 to 0.35 wt. % copper, 0.20 to0.35 wt. % nickel, up to 0.04 wt. % niobium, up to 0.10 wt. % vanadium,up to 0.0015 wt. % oxygen, up to 0.03 wt. % calcium, up to 0.003 wt. %sulfur; and up to 0.010 wt. % phosphorus.

In some embodiments, the tube can have a minimum yield strength of 125ksi. In some embodiments, the tube can have a minimum yield strength of140 ksi. In some embodiments, the tube can have a minimum yield strengthof between 125 ksi and 140 ksi.

In some embodiments, the final microstructure can comprise at least 95volume % tempered martensite in the base metal regions, the weld joints,and the heat affected zones. In some embodiments, the tube can have afinal grain size of below 20 μm in the base metal regions, the weldjoints, and the heat affected zones. In some embodiments, the tube canhave a final grain size of below 15 μm in the base metal regions, theweld joints, and the heat affected zones.

In some embodiments, the weld joints can comprise bias welds. In someembodiments, the fatigue life at the bias welds can be at least about80% of the base metal regions. In some embodiments, the a percenthardness of a weld joint, including its heat affected zone, can be 110%or less than a hardness of the base metal.

Also disclosed herein is a method of forming a coiled steel tube whichcan comprise providing strips having a composition comprising iron and0.17-0.35 wt. % carbon, 0.30-2.00 wt. % manganese, 0.10-0.30 wt. %silicon, 0.010-0.040 wt. % aluminum, up to 0.010 wt. % sulfur, up to0015 wt. % phosphorus, and welding the strips together, forming a tubefrom the welded strips, wherein the tube comprises base metal regions,joint welds, and their heat affected zones, austenitizing the tubebetween 900-1000° C., quenching the tube to form a final as quenchedmicrostructure of martensite and bainite, wherein the as quenchedmicrostructure comprises at least 90% martensite in the base metalregions, the weld joints, and the heat affected zones, and tempering thequenched tube between 550-720° C., wherein tempering of the quenchedtube results in a yield strength greater than about 80 ksi, wherein themicrostructure across all base metal regions, weld joints, and the heataffected zones is homogeneous, and wherein the microstructure comprisesa uniform distribution of fine carbides across the base metal regions,the weld joints, and the heat affected zones.

In some embodiments, the welding the strips can comprise bias welding.In some embodiments, the forming the tube can comprise forming a linejoint. In some embodiments, the method can further comprise coiling thetempered tube on a spool. In some embodiments, the austenitizing canform a grain size below 20 μm in the base metal regions, the weldjoints, and the heat affected zones.

In some embodiments, the composition can further comprise up to 1.0 wt.% chromium up to 0.5 wt. % molybdenum up to 0.0030 wt. % boron, up to0.030 wt. % titanium, up to 0.50 wt. % copper, up to 0.50 wt. % nickel,up to 0.1 wt. % niobium, up to 0.15 wt. % vanadium, up to 0.0050 wt. %oxygen, and up to 0.05 wt. % calcium.

In some embodiments, the composition can comprise 0.17 to 0.30 wt. %carbon, 0.30 to 1.60 wt. % manganese, 0.10 to 0.20 wt. % silicon, up to0.7 wt. % chromium, up to 0.5 wt. % molybdenum, 0.0005 to 0.0025 wt. %boron, 0.010 to 0.025 wt. % titanium, 0.25 to 0.35 wt. % copper, 0.20 to0.35 wt. % nickel, up to 0.04 wt. % niobium, up to 0.10 wt. % vanadium,up to 0.00015 wt. % oxygen, up to 0.03 wt. % calcium, up to 0.003 wt. %sulfur, and up to 0.010 wt. % phosphorus.

In some embodiments, the tempered tube can have a yield strength greaterthan or equal to 125 ksi. In some embodiments, the tempered tube canhave a minimum yield strength of 140 ksi. In some embodiments, thetempered tube can have a minimum yield strength between 125 and 140 ksi.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-B illustrate CCT diagrams corresponding to STD2 (A) and STD3(B) steels.

FIGS. 2A-B illustrate CCT diagrams corresponding to BTi₂ (A) andCrMoBTi₃ (B) steels.

FIG. 3 illustrates a cooling rate at an internal pipe surface as afunction of the wall thickness (WT) for a coiled tube quenched from theexternal with water sprays.

FIG. 4 illustrates tensile properties of BTi₃ steel as a function of themaximum tempering temperature (Tmax). Peak-like tempering cycles wereused in these Gleeble® simulations. (right) Tensile properties of thesame steel as a function of the holding time at 720° C. (isothermaltempering cycles).

FIGS. 5A-B illustrate non-tempered martensite appearing at the centralsegregation band close to the ERW line after the seam annealing (PWHT).FIGS 5A-B correspond to a conventional coiled tube Grade 90.

FIGS. 6A-B illustrate localized damage at the central segregation bandproduced during fatigue testing of a Grade 110 coiled tubing.

FIGS. 7A-B illustrate localized damage at the central segregation bandproduced during fatigue testing with high inner pressure (9500 psi) of aGrade 100 coiled tubing.

FIGS. 8A-B illustrate base metal microstructures corresponding to thestandard coiled tube (A) and a coiled tube manufactured from embodimentsof the present disclosure (B). In both cases the coiled tubing hastensile properties corresponding to a Grade 110 (yield strength from 110Ksi to 120 Ksi).

FIGS. 9A-B illustrate ERW line microstructures corresponding to thestandard coiled tube (A) and a coiled tube manufactured from embodimentsof the present disclosure (B). In both cases the coiled tubing tensileproperties correspond to a Grade 110 (yield strength from 110 Ksi to 120Ksi).

FIGS. 10A-B illustrate microstructures corresponding to HAZ of the ERWfor the standard coiled tube (A) and a coiled tube manufactured fromembodiments of the present disclosure (B). In both cases the coiledtubing tensile properties correspond to a Grade 110 (yield strength from110 Ksi to 120 Ksi).

FIGS. 11A-B illustrate microstructures corresponding to HAZ of the biasweld for the standard coiled tube (A) and a coiled tube manufacturedfrom embodiments of the present disclosure (B). In both cases the coiledtubing tensile properties correspond to a Grade 110 (yield strength from110 Ksi to 120 Ksi).

FIG. 12 illustrates a crack formed during service in the fusion zone ofa bias weld (growing from the internal tube face). The crack is runningin the direction of the large upper bainite laths.

FIG. 13 illustrates variations in hardness (base metal hardness=100%)across typical bias welds obtained with conventional processing andprocessing according to embodiments of the present disclose. The fusionzone (FZ) is approximately located in the area between ≈+/−5 mm from theweld center.

FIGS. 14A-B illustrate microstructures corresponding to the intersectionbetween bias weld and ERW line for the standard coiled tube (A) and acoiled tube manufactured from embodiments of the present disclosure (B).In both cases the coiled tubing tensile properties correspond to a Grade110 (yield strength from 110 Ksi to 120 Ksi).

FIG. 15 illustrates a schematic drawing of a fatigue testing machine.

FIG. 16 illustrates fatigue life measured for BW samples relative tothose corresponding to BM samples. Results are average values overdifferent testing conditions and coiled tube grades (80, 90 and 110 forconventional tubes and 80, 90, 110, 125 and 140 for coiled tubesproduced according to this disclosure).

FIG. 17 illustrates fatigue life improvement in coiled tubes producedwith an embodiment of the chemistry and processing conditions accordingto this disclosure. The improvement is determined by comparison againstfatigue life measured for conventional coiled tubing of the same gradetested under similar conditions. Results are averaged for each gradeover different testing conditions. In the case of grades 125 and 140,which are non-standard, the fatigue life comparison was performedagainst STD3 steel in Grade 110.

FIGS. 18A-B illustrate C-ring samples after testing material grade 80according to NACE TM0177 (90% SMYS, Solution A, 1 bar H₂S). A:conventional process. B: embodiment of the disclosed process.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Coiled Tubing raw material is produced in a steel shop as hot rolledstrips. Controlled rolling is used to guarantee high strength and goodtoughness through microstructural refinement. The strips arelongitudinally cut to the width for pipe production, and then splicedend to end through a joining process (e.g. Plasma Arc Welding orFriction Stir Welding) to form a longer strip. Afterwards, the tube isformed using the ERW process. The final product performance is measuredin terms of: a) axial mechanical properties, b) uniformity ofmicrostructure and properties, c) toughness, d) fatigue resistance, c)sour resistance, among others. Using the traditional processing route,the coiled tubing mechanical properties result from the combination ofthe hot-rolled strip properties and the modifications introduced duringwelding operations and tube forming. The properties thus obtained arelimited when coiled tube performance is measured as listed above. Thereason being is that the welding process used to join the stripsmodifies the refined as-rolled microstructure in a way that, even if apost weld heat treatments is applied, final properties are stillimpaired. Reduced fatigue life and poor sour performance is associatedto heterogeneities in microstructure and presence of brittleconstituents across the welds. It has been proposed that a new routeshould at least comprise a full body heat treatment. This route has beendescribed in general terms but never specified. The disclosure describesthe chemistries and raw material characteristics, that combined withappropriated welding processes, and heat treatment conditions, willyield a quenched and tempered product with high performance in both pipebody and strip joining welds. This material is designed for coiledtubing since it is selected not only in terms of relative cost, butpreferably in order to maximize fatigue life under the particularconditions that apply to the operation of coiled tubing (low cyclefatigue under bending with simultaneous axial load and internalpressures).

This disclosure is related to a high strength coiled tubing (minimumyield strength ranging from 80 ksi to 140 ksi) having increasedlow-cycle fatigue life in comparison with standard products, as definedby API 5ST. Additionally, Sulfide Stress Cracking (SSC) resistance isalso improved in this disclosure. This outstanding combination ofproperties is obtained through an appropriate selection of steelchemistry and processing conditions. Industrial processing differs fromthe standard route in the application of a Full Body Heat Treatment(FBHT), as was disclosed in U.S. App. No. US2012/0186686 A1. This FBHTis performed after the coiled tubed is formed by ERW (ElectricalResistance Welding) and is composed of at least one cycle ofaustenitization, quenching and tempering. The above mentioned disclosureis more specifically related to the steel chemistries and processingparameters to produce a quenched and tempered coiled tubing with theabove mentioned properties. Although the generation of certainmechanical properties through a heat treatment on a base material with agiven composition are part of the general knowledge, the particularapplication for coiled tubing uses raw material with specific chemistryin order to minimize the detrimental effect of particular variables,such as segregation patterns, on the specific properties of thisapplication.

One of the most important properties to the coiled tube is an increasedresistance to low cycle fatigue. This is because during standard fieldoperation coiled tubes are spooled and unspooled frequently, introducingcyclic plastic deformations that may eventually produce failures. Duringlow cycle fatigue, deformation is preferentially localized at themicroscopical scale in softer material regions. When brittleconstituents are present at or close to these strain concentrationregions, cracks can easily nucleate and propagate. Therefore, areduction in fatigue life is associated with heterogeneousmicrostructures (having softer regions that localize deformation) incombination with brittle constituents (that nucleate and/or propagatecracks). All these micro-structural features appear in the Heat AffectedZone of the welds (HAZ). There are some types of pipe bodymicrostructures that also present the above mentioned characteristics.This is because they are composed of a mixture of hard and softconstituents, for example ferrite, pearlite and bainite. In this casestrain is localized in the softer ferrite, close to the boundary withbainite, in which cracks are nucleated and propagated. High strengthcoiled tubes have currently this type of microstructure.

In order to avoid strain localization during low cycle fatigue themicrostructure has to be not only homogeneous throughout the pipe bodyand joints, but also in the microscopic scale. For low carbon steels amicrostructure composed of tempered martensite, which is basically aferrite matrix with a homogeneous and fine distribution of carbides, isideal. Thereafter, the objective of the chemistry selection andprocessing conditions described in this disclosure is to achieve withthe FBHT a homogeneous microstructure (in tube body, bias weld and ERWline) composed of at least 90% tempered martensite, preferably more than95% tempered martensite.

Additionally, tempered martensite is more suitable to produce ultra-highstrength grades than standard coiled tube microstructures (composed offerrite, pearlite and bainite), for which extremely costly alloyingadditions are needed to reach yield strengths higher than about 125 Ksi.

When compared with structures containing bainite, other importantbenefits of tempered martensite is its improved SSC resistance.

Steel chemistry has been defined as the most suitable for production ofheat treated coiled tubing using a FBHT, and can be described in termsof concentration of Carbon (wt % C), Manganese (w % Mn), Silicon (w %Si), Chromium (wt % Cr), Molybdenum (w % Mo), as well as micro-alloyingelements as Boron (w % B), Titanium (w % Ti), Aluminum (w % Al), Niobium(w % Nb) and Vanadium (w % V). Also, upper limits can be on unavoidableimpurities as Sulfur (w % S), Phosphorus (w % P) and Oxygen (w % O).

In order to produce a final structure composed of tempered martensite,the steel chemistry of this disclosure differs mainly from previouscoiled tube art because of the higher Carbon content (see for exampleAPI 5ST in which maximum Carbon allowed for Coiled tubing is 0.16%),which allows for obtaining the desired microstructure through a FBHTcomposed of at least one cycle of austenitization, quenching andtempering.

The terms “approximately”, “about”, and “substantially” as used hereinrepresent an amount close to the stated amount that still performs adesired function or achieves a desired result. For example, the terms“approximately”, “about”, and “substantially” may refer to an amountthat is within less than 10% of, within less than 5% of, within lessthan 1% of, within less than 0.1% of, and within less than 0.01% of thestated amount.

Carbon is an element whose addition inexpensively raises the strength ofthe steel through an improvement in hardenability and the promotion ofcarbide precipitation during heat treatments. If carbon is reduced below0.17% hardenability could not be guaranteed, and large fractions ofbainite may be formed during heat treatments. The appearance of bainitemakes it difficult to reach a yield strength above 80 ksi with thedesired fatigue life and SSC resistance. Current coiled tubing route isnot suitable for heat treatment since the maximum Carbon allowed byAPI5ST is 0.16%. Conventional coiled tubing microstructures presentlarge fractions of bainite that impair toughness, fatigue life and SSCresistance in the higher strength grades, i.e. coiled tubings withminimum yield strength above 110 Ksi.

On the other hand, steels with more than 0.35% carbon will have poorweldability, being susceptible to present brittle constituents andcracks during welding and post-weld heat treatment operations.Additionally, higher carbon contents may result in significant amountsof retained austenite after quenching that transform into brittleconstituents upon tempering. These brittle constituents impair fatiguelife and SSC resistance. Therefore, the C content of the steelcomposition varies within the range from about 0.17% to about 0.35%,preferably from about 0.17% to about 0.30%.

Manganese addition improves hardenability and strength. Mn alsocontributes to deoxidation and sulfur control during the steel makingprocess. If Mn content is less than about 0.30%, it may be difficult toobtain the desired strength level. However, as Mn content increases,large segregation patterns may be formed. Mn segregated areas will tendto form brittle constituents during heat treatment that impair toughnessand reduce fatigue. Additionally, these segregated areas increase thematerial susceptibility to sulfide stress cracking (SSC). Accordingly,the Mn content of the steel composition varies within the range from0.30% to 2.0%, preferably from 0.30% to 1.60%, and more preferably from0.30% to 0.80% in application for which an improved SSC resistance isused.

Silicon is an element whose addition has a deoxidizing effect during thesteel making process and also raises the strength of the steel. In someembodiments, if Si exceeds about 0.30%, the toughness may decrease.Additionally, large segregation patterns may be formed. Therefore, theSi content of the steel composition varies within the range betweenabout 0.10% to 0.30%, preferably about 0.10% to about 0.20%.

Chromium addition increases hardenability and tempering resistance ofthe steel. Cr can be used to partially replace Mn in the steelcomposition in order to achieve high strength without producing largesegregation patterns that impair fatigue life and SSC resistance.However, Cr is a costly addition that makes the coiled tubing moredifficult to produce because of its effects on hot forming loads.Therefore, in some embodiments Cr is limited to about 1.0%, preferablyto about 0.7%.

Molybdenum is an element whose addition is effective in increasing thestrength of the steel and further assists in retarding softening duringtempering. The resistance to tempering allows the production of highstrength steels with reduced Mn content increasing fatigue life and SSCresistance. Mo additions may also reduce the segregation of phosphorousto grain boundaries, improving resistance to inter-granular fracture.However, this ferroalloy is expensive, making it desirable to reduce themaximum Mo content within the steel composition. Therefore, in certainembodiments, maximum Mo is about 0.5%.

Boron is an element whose addition is strongly effective in increasingthe hardenability of the steel. For example, B may improve hardenabilityby inhibiting the formation of ferrite during quenching. In someembodiments, B is used to achieve good hardenability (i.e. as quenchedstructure composed of at least 90% martensite) in steels with Mn contentreduced to improve fatigue life and SSC resistance. If the B content isless than about 0.0005 wt. % it may be difficult in these embodiments toobtain the desired hardenability of the steel. However, if the B contenttoo high, coarse boron carbides may be formed at grain boundariesadversely affecting toughness. Accordingly, in an embodiment, theconcentration of B in the composition lower than about 0.0030%, inanother embodiment B content is from about 0.0005% to 0.0025%.

Titanium is an element whose addition is effective in increasing theeffectiveness of B in the steel, by fixing nitrogen impurities asTitanium Nitrides (TiN) and inhibiting the formation of Boron nitrides.If the Ti content is too low it may be difficult in some embodiments toobtain the desired effect of boron on hardenability of the steel. On theother hand, if the Ti content is higher than 0.03 wt % coarse Titaniumnitrides and carbides (TiN and TiC) may be formed, adversely affectingductility and toughness. Accordingly, in certain embodiments, theconcentration of Ti may be limited to about 0.030%. In otherembodiments, the concentration of Ti may range from about 0.010% toabout 0.025%.

Considering that the production of coiled tubing of low mechanicalproperties benefits from low tempering resistance, B and Ti additionsimprove hardenability without increasing tempering resistance.Thereafter it allows for the production of 80 ksi grade withoutsignificant large soaking times during tempering, with the subsequentimprovement in productivity. Since one of the limitations for theproduction of a coiled tubing in a heat treatment line is the length ofthe line to adequately soak the material during tempering, the use of Band Ti is particularly relevant to the production of low yield strengthcoiled tubing.

Copper is an element that is not required in certain embodiments of thesteel composition. However, in some coiled tubing applications Cu may beneeded to improve atmospheric corrosion resistance. Thus, in certainembodiments, the Cu content of the steel composition may be limited toless than about 0.50%. In other embodiments, the concentration of Cu mayrange from about 0.25% to about 0.35%.

Nickel is an element whose addition increases the strength and toughnessof the steel. If Cu is added to the steel composition, Ni can be used toavoid hot rolling defects known as hot shortness. However, Ni is verycostly and, in certain embodiments, the Ni content of the steelcomposition is limited to less than or equal to about 0.50%. In otherembodiments, the concentration of Ni may range from about 0.20% to about0.35%.

Niobium is an element whose addition to the steel composition may refinethe austenitic grain size of the steel during reheating into theaustenitic region, with the subsequent increase in both strength andtoughness. Nb may also precipitate during tempering, increasing thesteel strength by particle dispersion hardening. In an embodiment, theNb content of the steel composition may vary within the range betweenabout 0% to about 0.10%, preferably about 0% to about 0.04%.

Vanadium is an element whose addition may be used to increase thestrength of the steel by carbide precipitations during tempering.However if V content of the steel composition is greater than about0.15%, a large volume fraction of vanadium carbide particles may beformed, with an attendant reduction in toughness of the steel.Therefore, in certain embodiments, the V content of the steel is limitedto about 0.15%, preferably to about 0.10%.

Aluminum is an element whose addition to the steel composition has adeoxidizing effect during the steel making process and further refinesthe grain size of the steel. In an embodiment, if the Al content of thesteel composition is less than about 0.010%, the steel may besusceptible to oxidation, exhibiting high levels of inclusions. In otherembodiments, if the Al content of the steel composition greater thanabout 0.040%, coarse precipitates may be formed that impair thetoughness of the steel. Therefore, the Al content of the steelcomposition may vary within the range between about 0.010% to about0.040%.

Sulfur is an element that causes the toughness and workability of thesteel to decrease. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the S content ofthe steel composition is limited to a maximum of about 0.010%,preferably about 0.003%.

Phosphorus is an element that causes the toughness of the steel todecrease. Accordingly, the P content of the steel composition limited toa maximum of about 0.015%, preferably about 0.010%.

Oxygen may be an impurity within the steel composition that is presentprimarily in the form of oxides. In an embodiment of the steelcomposition, as the O content increases, impact properties of the steelare impaired. Accordingly, in certain embodiments of the steelcomposition, a relatively low O content is desired, less than or equalto about 0.0050 wt %; preferably less than or equal to about 0.0015 wt%.

Calcium is an element whose addition to the steel composition mayimprove toughness by modifying the shape of sulfide inclusions. In anembodiment, the steel composition may comprise a minimum Ca to S contentratio of Ca/S>1.5. In other embodiments of the steel composition,excessive Ca is unnecessary and the steel composition may comprise amaximum content Ca of about 0.05%, preferably about 0.03%.

The contents of unavoidable impurities including, hut not limited to N,Pb, Sn, As, Sb, Bi and the like are preferably kept as low as possible.However, properties (e.g., strength, toughness) of steels formed fromembodiments of the steel compositions of the present disclosure may notbe substantially impaired provided these impurities are maintained belowselected levels. In one embodiment, the N content of the steelcomposition may be less than about 0.010%, preferably less than or equalto about 0.008%. In another embodiment, the Pb content of the steelcomposition may be less than or equal to about 0.005%. In a furtherembodiment, the Sn content of the steel composition may be less than orequal to about 0.02%. In an additional embodiment, the As content of thesteel composition may be less than or equal to about 0.012%. In anotherembodiment, the Sb content of the steel composition may be less than orequal to about 0.008%. In a further embodiment, the Bi content of thesteel composition may be less than or equal to about 0.003%.

The selection of a specific steel chemistry of this disclosure willdepend on the final product specification and industrial facilityconstrains (for example in induction heat treatment lines it isdifficult to achieve large soaking times during tempering). Mn additionwill be reduced when possible because it impairs fatigue life and SSCresistance through the formation of large segregation patterns. Cr andto a less extent Mo will be used to replace Mn, and the full body heattreatment is kept as simple as possible. Both elements increase carbidestability and softening resistance, which may lead to large soakingtimes during tempering. Thereafter, these elements are preferred for thehigher strength grades (for example Grade 110 and above) for whichtempering resistance is desired, and avoided in the lower ones (Grade80) for which long and impractical industrial heat treatment lines wouldbe needed.

In the case of the lower grades (Grade 80), it will be preferred B andTi microalloyed additions in combination with suitable C contents. Theseelements allow for achieving good hardenability without the use of highMn additions. Moreover, B and Ti do not increase tempering resistance.Thereafter, simple and short tempering treatment can be used to achievethe desired strength level.

The industrial processing route corresponding to this disclosure isdescribed in the following paragraphs, making focus on the Full BodyHeat Treatment (FBHT) conditions.

Raw material for coiled tubing is produced in a steel shop as hot rolledstrips with wall thickness that may vary from about 0.08 inches to about0.30 inches. Controlled rolling may be used by the steel supplier torefine the as rolled microstructure. However, an importantmicrostructural refinement of the as rolled strips is not needed,because in this disclosure microstructure and mechanical properties aremostly defined by the final FBHT. This flexibility in the hot rollingprocess helps to reduce raw-material cost, and allows to use steelchemistries not available when complex hot rolling procedures can beused (in general controlled rolling can be applied only to low carbonmicro-alloyed steels).

The steel strips are longitudinally cut to the width for pipeproduction. Afterwards, the strips are joined end to end through awelding process (e.g. Plasma Arc Welding or Friction Stir Welding) toform a longer strip that allows to achieve the pipe length. These weldedstrips are formed into a pipe using, for example an ERW process. Typicalcoiled tube outer diameters are between 1 inch and 5 inches. Pipelengths are about 15,000 feet, but lengths can be between about 10,000feet to about 40,000 feet.

After forming the pipe, the Full Body Heat Treatment (FBHT) is applied.The objective of this heat treatment is to produce a homogeneous finalmicrostructure composed of at least 90% tempered martensite, the restbeing bainite. This microstructure, having uniform carbide distributionand grain size below 20 μm—preferably below 15 μm—guarantees goodcombinations of strength, ductility, toughness and low cycle fatiguelife. Furthermore, as was previously mentioned, by properly selectingthe steel chemistry this type of microstructure is suitable to improveSulfide Stress Cracking (SSC) resistance in comparison with conventionalstructures, composed of ferrite, pearlite and large volume fractions ofupper bainite.

The FBHT is composed of at least one austenitization and quenching cycle(Q) followed by a tempering treatment (T). The austenitization isperformed at temperatures between 900° C. and 1000° C. During this stagethe total time of permanence above the equilibrium temperature Ae3should be selected to guarantee a complete dissolution of iron carbideswithout having excessive austenitic grain growth. The target grain sizeis below 20 μm, preferably below 15 μm. Quenching has to be performedcontrolling the minimum cooling rate in order to achieve a final itsquenched microstructure composed of at least 90% martensite throughoutthe pipe.

Tempering is carried out at temperatures between 550° C. and 720° C.Heat treatment above 720° C. may led to partial martensitetransformation to high carbon austenite. This constituent has to beavoided because tends in transform into brittle constituents, which mayimpair toughness and fatigue life. On the other hand, if tempering isperformed below 550° C. the recovery process of the dislocated asquenched structure is not complete. Thereafter, toughness may be againstrongly reduced. The tempering cycle has to be selected, within theabove mentioned temperature range, in order to achieve the desiredmechanical properties. Minimum yield strength may vary from 80 ksi to140 ksi. An appropriate time of permanence at temperature has to beselected to guarantee an homogeneous carbide distribution in both basetube and weld areas (ERW line and strip to strip joints). In some cases,in order to improve the combination of strength and toughness more thanone austenitization, quenching and tempering cycles may be performed.After FBHT the pipe may be subjected to a sizing process, in order toguarantee specified dimensional tolerances, stress relieved and spooledinto a coil.

EXAMPLES Example A: Chemistry Selection to Improve Hardenability

As was previously mentioned, the microstructure of this disclosure iscomposed of at least 90% tempered martensite with an homogenousdistribution of fine carbides, the test being bainite. Thismicrostructure allows for production of a coiled tube with the desiredcombination of high strength, extended low cycle fatigue life andimproved SSC resistance.

The tempered martensite is obtained by at least one heat treatment ofquenching and tempering, performed after the pipe is formed by ERW. Theheat treatment may be repeated two or more times if additionalrefinement is desired for improving SSC resistance. This is becausesubsequent cycles of austenitization and quenching reduce not only prioraustenitic grain size, but also martensite block and packet sizes.

To obtain the target microstructure with good hardenability, at least90% martensite has to be formed at the end of the quenching process. Anadequate chemistry selection is paramount to achieve such volumefraction of martensite. The selection of suitable steel compositions wasbased on results from experiments performed with a thermo-mechanicalsimulator Gleeble® 3500. Industrial trials were performed afterwards toconfirm laboratory findings.

Some of the steel chemistries analyzed in laboratory are listed in TableA1. For all these chemistries dilatometric tests were carried out atGleeble® to construct Continuous Cooling Transformation (CCT) diagrams.The CCT diagrams were used, in combination with metallographic analysisof the samples obtained from the simulations, to determine the minimumcooling rate to have more than 90% martensite. This critical coolingrate, mainly dependent on steel chemistry, will be referred as CR90.

TABLE A1 Chemical composition of the steels experimentally studied.Element concentrations are in weight percent (wt %). Steel C Mn Si Cr MoNi Cu Other STD1 0.13 0.80 0.35 0.52 — 0.15 0.28 Ti STD2 0.14 0.80 0.330.55 0.10 0.17 0.27 Nb—Ti STD3 0.14 0.80 0.34 0.57 0.32 0.22 0.28 Nb—TiCMn1 0.17 2.00 0.20 — — — — — CMn2 0.25 1.60 0.20 — — — — — BTi1 0.171.60 0.20 — — — — B—Ti BTi2 0.25 1.30 0.20 — — — — B—Ti CrMo1 0.17 1.000.25 1.00 0.50 — — — CrMo2 0.25 0.60 0.20 1.00 0.50 — — — CrMoBTi1 0.170.60 0.20 1.00 0.50 — — B—Ti CrMoBTi2 0.24 0.40 0.15 1.00 0.25 — — B—TiCrMoBTi3 0.24 0.40 0.15 1.00 0.50 — — B—Ti CrMoBTi4 0.26 0.60 0.15 0.500.25 B—Ti

Examples of obtained CCT diagrams are presented in FIGS. 1-2. In allcases the austenitization was performed at 900-950° C. in order toobtain a fine austenitic grain size (AGS) of 10-20 μm. STD1, STD2 andSTD3 steels have chemistries within API 5ST specification, but outsidethe range of this disclosure because of their low carbon addition (TableA1). The critical cooling CR90 was greater than 100° C./sec in the caseof STD1 and STD2, and about 50° C./sec for STD3.

FIGS. 1A-B show CCT diagrams corresponding to STD2 (A) and STD3 (B)steels. In bold is shown the critical cooling conditions to produce afinal microstructure composed of about 90% martensite, the rest beingbainite. FIGS. 2A-B show the CCT diagrams corresponding to BTi₂ andCrMoBTi₃ steels. In bold are shown the critical cooling conditions toproduce final microstructures composed of about 90% martensite, the restbeing bainite. The first one is a C—Mn steel microalloyed with B—Ti (seeTable A1). CrMoBTi₂ is a medium carbon steel having Cr and Mo additions,also microalloyed with B—Ti. The measured critical coding rates(corresponding to the cooling curves shown in bold in the CCT diagrams)were 25° C./s and 15° C./s for BTi₂ and CrMoBTi₃, respectively.

In FIG. 3 is presented the average cooling rate of pipes treated in anindustrial quenching heads facility (sprays of water cooling the tubefrom the external surface). Values are shown as a function of the pipeWall Thickness (WT). The shaded area in the plot corresponds to the wallthickness range typical of coiled tube applications. It is clear thatwhen selecting steel chemistries suitable to have more than 90% temperedmartensite, the critical cooling rate of the alloy should be equal orlower than 30° C./s. Otherwise, more than 10% bainite will be formedduring quenching the thicker tube (WT=0.3 inches) in the above mentionedfacility.

STD1, STD2 and STD3 have critical cooling rates above 30° C./s,thereafter these steels are not suitable for this disclosure. On theother hand, hardenability is adequate in BTi₂ and CrMoBTi₃ steels. Thehardenability improvement is due to an increased carbon content and theB—Ti addition.

In Table A2 is shown the critical cooling rates measured for the steelsof Table A1, STD1, STD2 and STD3 are chemistries currently used forcoiled tubes grades 80, 90 and 110; and fulfill API 5ST. However, eventhe more alloyed STD3 have a critical cooling rate to guarantee morethan 90% tempered martensite in pipes with WT in the range of interest.It is clear that standard materials are not adequate to produce thetarget microstructure of this disclosure and hardenability has to beimproved. In low alloy steels the most important element affectinghardenability is Carbon. Thereafter, C was increased above the maximumspecified by API 5ST (0.16 wt. %) to have critical cooling rates nothigher than 30° C./s. In this disclosure Carbon addition is in the rangefrom 0.17% to 0.35% (the maximum level was selected to guarantee goodweldability and toughness). As was just mentioned, the rest of thechemistry has to be adjusted to have CR90 values equal or lower than 30°C./s.

TABLE A2 Critical cooling rates to have more than 90% martensite (CR90)measured for the analyzed steels. Values determined from Gleeble ®dilatometric tests and metallographic analysis. C Mn Si Cr Mo CR90Adequate Steel (wt %) (wt %) (wt %) (wt %) (wt %) Other (° C./s)hardenability? STD1 0.13 0.80 0.35 0.52 0.13 Ni, Cu, Ti >100 No STD20.14 0.80 0.33 0.55 0.10 Ni, Cu, >100 No Nb—Ti STD3 0.14 0.80 0.34 0.570.32 Ni, Cu, Nb—Ti 50 No CMn1 0.17 2.00 0.20 — — — 30 Yes CMn2 0.25 1.600.20 — — — 30 Yes BTi1 0.17 1.60 0.20 — — B—Ti 30 Yes BTi2 0.25 1.300.20 — — B—Ti 25 Yes CrMo1 0.17 1.00 0.25 1.00 0.50 — 25 Yes CrMo2 0.250.60 0.20 1.00 0.50 — 23 Yes CrMoBTi1 0.17 0.60 0.20 1.00 0.50 B—Ti 25Yes CrMoBTi2 0.24 0.40 0.15 1.00 0.25 B—Ti 25 Yes CrMoBTi3 0.24 0.400.15 1.00 0.50 B—Ti 15 Yes CrMoBTi4 0.26 0.60 0.16 0.50 0.25 B—Ti 30 Yes

The following guidelines for selecting adequate steel chemistries wereobtained from the analysis of experimental results in Table A2:

C—Mn steels: hardenability depends mainly on Carbon and Manganeseadditions. About 2% Mn can be used to achieve the desired hardenabilitywhen C is in the lower limit (CMn1 steel). However, Mn is an elementwhich produces strong segregation patterns that may decrease fatiguelife. Thereafter, Mn addition is decreased in higher Carbonformulations. For example, when carbon concentration is about 0.25%,1.6% Mn is enough to achieve the hardenability (CMn2 steel).

B—Ti steels: these alloys are plain carbon steels microalloyed withBoron and Titanium. Due to the increase in hardenability associated tothe Boron effect, Mn can be further reduced. For Carbon in the lowerlimit, about 1.6% Mn can be used to achieve the hardenability. Whencarbon concentration is about 0.25%, 1.3% Mn is enough to achieve thehardenability (BTi₂ Steel).

Cr—Mo steels: these steels have Cr and Mo additions that are useful toincrease tempering resistance, which make them suitable for ultra-highstrength grades. Additionally, Cr and Mo are elements that improvehardenability; so Mn addition may be further reduced. However, Cr and Moare costly additions that reduce the steel hot workability, and theirmaximum content is limited to 1% Mn and 0.5%, respectively. In oneexample with Carbon in the lower limit, about 1% Mn can be used toachieve the CR90 (CrMo1). If the steel is also microalloyed with B—Ti, afurther reduction in Mn to 0.6% can be performed (CrMoBTi1).

Example B: Chemistry Selection For Different Coiled Tube Grades

To analyze tempering behavior of the steels presented in Table A1,simulations of industrial heat treatments were performed at Gleeble®.Simulations consisted in an austenitization at 900-950° C., quenching al30° C./sec and tempering. In the particular case of STD1, STD2 and STD3steels higher cooling rates were used in order to achieve at least 90%martensite during quenching. For STD1 and STD2 a quenching rate of about150° C./s was used, while for STD3 cooling was at 50° C./s. These highercooling rates can be achieved in small samples at Gleeble® when externalwater cooling is applied. After quenching the samples were temperedusing two types of cycles:

-   -   Peak like cycle: Heating at 50° C./s up to a maximum temperature        (Tmax) that was in the range from 550° C. to 720° C. Cooling at        about 1.5° C./s down to room temperature. These cycles were        intended to simulate actual tempering conditions at induction        furnaces, which are characterized by high heating rate, no        soaking time at maximum temperature and air cooling.    -   Isothermal cycle: Heating at 50° C./s up to 710° C, soaking at        this temperature during a time that ranged from 1 min to 1 hour        and cooling at about 1.5° C./s. This cycle was used to simulate        tempering in an industrial line with several soaking inductors        or with a tunnel furnace.

In all cases tempering temperature ranged from 550° C. to 720° C.Temperatures higher than 720° C. were avoided because non-desiredre-austenitization takes place. On the other hand, if tempering isperformed below 550° C., recovery of the dislocated structure is notcomplete, and the material presents brittle constituents that may impairfatigue life.

Peak-like tempering cycles are preferred to reduce line length and toimprove productivity. Thereafter, the feasibility of obtaining a givengrade with a specific steel chemistry was mainly determined by thetempering curve obtaining using this type of cycles. If after apeak-like tempering at 720° C. strength is still high for the grade,soaking at maximum temperature can be performed. However, as soakingtime increases, larger, more expensive and less productive industriallines may be needed.

In FIG. 4 (inset on the left) is presented the tempering curve measuredfor BTi₂ steel. Tensile properties are shown as a function of maximumtempering temperature. Peak-like thermal cycles were used in thesimulations. From the figure it is seen that Grades 90 to 125 can beobtained by changing maximum peak temperature from about 710° C. to 575°C., respectively. With this chemistry is not possible to reach 140 Ksiof yield strength without reducing the tempering temperature below 550°C. Regarding the lower grades, 3 minutes of soaking at 710° C. can beused to obtain Grade 80 (inset on the right of FIG. 4).

Based on the results obtained from Gleeble® simulations, Table B1 wasconstructed. This Table shows, for each analyzed steel, the feasibilityof producing different grades, which ranged from 80 Ksi to 140 Ksi ofminimum yield strength. For example, in the case of BTi₂ it is feasibleto reach grades 90 to 125 using peak-like tempering cycles. But 2minutes of soaking at 720° C. can be used in the case of Grade 80, whichis why the in corresponding cell “soaking” is indicated.

TABLE B1 Feasibility of industrially producing Grades 80 to 140 usingthe steel chemistries analyzed. When “soaking” appears in the cell, itmeans that more than 1 minute of soaking at 720° C. can be used to reachthe grade. Grade Grade Grade Grade Grade 80 90 110 125 140 YieldStrength (Ksi) 80- 90- 110- 125- 140- Steel 90 100 125 140 155 STD1 YesYes no no no STD2 Yes Yes yes no no STD3 soaking Soaking yes yes no CMn1soaking Yes yes yes no CMn2 soaking Soaking yes yes no BTi1 Yes Yes yesno no BTi2 soaking Yes yes yes no CrMo1 soaking Soaking yes Yes YesCrMo2 soaking Soaking soaking Yes Yes CrMoBTi1 soaking Soaking yes YesYes CrMoBTi2 soaking Soaking yes Yes Yes CrMoBTi3 soaking Soakingsoaking Yes Yes CrMoBTi4 soaking Soaking yes Yes Yes

From the results obtained is clear that in order to obtain the highergrades, increased Carbon and Cr—Mo additions can be used. Particularly,Grade 140 cannot be achieved with standard chemistries, as described inAPI5ST, because of the low Carbon content. On the other hand, to reachGrade 80 a lean chemistry with low carbon, no Cr or Mo additions are thebest options. In this case, B—Ti microalloying additions may be used toguarantee good hardenability (for example, a chemistry like BTi₁ is agood alternative).

It is important to mention that in order to produce martensiticstructures with the standard steels (STD1, STD2 and STD3) it wasnecessary to use at laboratory higher quenching rates than achievable atthe mill. Thereafter, if we limit the cooling rate to that industriallyachievable, none of the coiled tube grades can be obtained withconventional steels using the FBHT processing route.

Example C: Chemistry Selection to Reduce Negative Effects of SegregationDuring Solidification

During steel solidification alloying elements tend to remain diluted inthe liquid because of its higher solubility in comparison with the solid(δ ferrite or austenite). Solute rich areas form two types ofnon-uniform chemical composition patterns upon solidification:microsegregation and macrosegregation.

Microsegregation results from freezing the solute-enriched liquid in theinterdendritic spaces. But it does not constitute a major problem, sincethe effects of microsegregation can be removed during subsequent hotworking. On the other hand, macrosegregation is non-uniformity ofchemical composition in the cast section on a larger scale. It cannot becompletely eliminated by soaking at high temperature and/or hot working.In the case of interest for this disclosure, which is the continuousslab cast, it produces the centerline segregation band.

A pronounced central segregation band has to be avoided because:

-   -   Brittle constituents as non-tempered martensite may appear in        this region as a result of welding operations (bias weld and        ERW, see for example FIGS. 5A-B). These non-desired constituents        are removed during the subsequent full body heat treatment.        However, the tube may be plastically deformed by bending between        welding and heat treatment operations, producing a failure        during industrial production.    -   After FBHT the remnant of the central segregation band is a        region enriched in substitutional solutes (as Mn, Si, Mo) with a        higher density of coarse carbides than the rest of the material.        This region is susceptible to nucleate cracks during low cycle        fatigue, as it is observed in FIGS. 6-7. Additionally, prominent        segregation bands are associated to poor SSC resistance.

Although it is not possible to remove macrosegregation, its negativeeffects on toughness, fatigue life and SSC resistance can be reduced bya proper selection of steel chemistry.

Based on EDX measurements on samples corresponding to a wide range ofsteel chemistries, enrichment factors at the central segregation bandwere estimated for different alloying elements. The results are shown inTable C1. The enrichment factors (EF) are the ratios between eachelement concentration at the central band and that corresponding to theaverage in the matrix. These factors are mainly dependent onthermodynamic partition coefficient between liquid and solid; anddiffusivities during solidification.

TABLE C1 Enrichment factors (EF) at the central segregation bandcorresponding to different substitutional alloying elements. Element EFMn 1.6 Si 3.2 Cr 1.2 Mo 2.1 Ni 1.3 Cu 3.4

Table C1 shows clearly that there are some elements that have a strongtendency to segregate during solidification, like Si and Cu. On theother hand Cr and Ni have low enrichment factors. Ni is a costlyaddition, but Cr may be used when an increase in hardenability and/ortempering resistance is desired without producing strong segregationpatterns.

The enrichment factors give information about the increase inconcentration that can be expected for each element at the centralsegregation band. However, not all these elements have the same effectregarding the material tendency to form brittle constituents duringwelding or heat treatment. It is observed that the higher theimprovement on hardenability, the higher the tendency to form brittleconstituents during processing. It is important to mention that elementswith high diffusion coefficients as Carbon and Boron may segregateduring solidification, but are homogenized during hot rolling.Thereafter, they do not contribute to form brittle constituentslocalized at the segregation band.

From the analysis of the CCT diagrams (Example A) it can be concludedthat Manganese produces the strongest increase in hardenability. This isapart from Carbon and Boron, which do not present large segregationpatterns after hot rolling. On the other hand, Si and Cu, which have astrong tendency to segregate, do not play a major role on hardenability.Because of its high enrichment factor and large effect on hardenability,Mn addition has to be reduced as much as possible when trying todiminish the negative effects of macro-segregation, as the reduction inlow-cycle fatigue life.

High Mn contents are ordinarily added to the steel composition becauseof its effect on hardenability. In this disclosure the hardenability ismostly achieved through the higher Carbon addition, so Mn concentrationcan be generally reduced. Further Manganese reductions can be achievedusing Boron and/or Chromium additions. Examples can be seen in Table C2,which shows the critical cooling rate (CR90) for different steelscomposition obtained from CCT diagrams (data taken from a previousExample A). In order to achieve the hardenability in a steel with about0.25% Carbon, Mn can be reduced from 1.6% to 1.3% when adding Boron, andfurther reduced to 0.4% if Cr—Mo is additionally used.

TABLE C2 Critical cooling rates to have more than 90% martensite (CR90)measured for the analyzed steels. Values determined from Gleeble ®dilatometric tests and metallographic analysis. C Mn Si (wt (wt (wt CrMo CR90 Steel %) %) %) (wt %) (wt %) Other (° C./s) CMn1 0.17 2.00 0.20— — — 30 CMn2 0.25 1.60 0.20 — — — 30 BTi1 0.17 1.60 0.20 — — B—Ti 30BTi2 0.25 1.30 0.20 — — B—Ti 25 CrMo1 0.17 1.00 0.25 1.00 0.50 — 25CrMo2 0.25 0.60 0.20 1.00 0.50 — 23 CrMoBTi1 0.17 0.60 0.20 1.00 0.50B—Ti 25 CrMoBTi2 0.24 0.40 0.15 1.00 0.25 B—Ti 25 CrMoBTi3 0.24 0.400.15 1.00 0.50 B—Ti 15 CrMoBTi4 0.26 0.60 0.16 0.50 0.25 B—Ti 30

Example D: Homogenization of Microstructure

As was previously mentioned the fatigue life of coiled tubing isstrongly dependent on microscopical features as microstructuralheterogeneities. The combination of soft and hard micro-constituentstends to produce plastic strain localization, which is the driving forcefor crack nucleation and propagation. In this section are compared thecoiled tubing microstructures obtained with the standard productionmethod applied to chemistries within API 5ST, and those corresponding toa chemistry and processing conditions within the ranges disclosed inthis disclosure.

As reference material was used a standard coiled tuning grade 110 (yieldstrength from 110 Ksi to 120 Ksi) with chemistry named STD2 in Table A1,which is within API 5ST specification. This standard material wascompared to a coiled tubed of the same grade produced with chemistryBTi₂ and applying the FBHT.

In this comparison different pipe locations will be considered:

-   -   Base Metal (BM): coiled tubing microstructure apart from the ERW        line and bias welds, when “apart” means that are not included in        this region the Heat Affected Zones (HAZ) produced during the        any welding operation and their possible Post-Weld Heat        Treatment (PWHT).    -   Bias Weld (BW): microstructural region corresponding to the        strip-to-strip joint that can be performed by Plasma Arc Welding        (PAW), Friction Stir Welding (FSW) or any other welding        techniques. It is also included in this region the corresponding        heat affected zone during welding and PWHT.    -   ERW line: microstructure resulting from the longitudinal ERW        welding during tube forming and its localized PWHT, which is        generally a seam annealing. As in previous cases, this region        also includes the corresponding heat affected zone.

In FIGS. 8A-B are presented the base metal microstructures correspondingto the standard coiled tube (A) and this disclosure (B). In the firstcase it is observed a ferrite matrix with a fine distribution ofcarbides. This matrix and fine structure results from the controlled hotrolling process. This disclosure microstructure (FIG. 8B) is mainlycomposed of tempered martensite. The bainite volume fraction is lowerthan 5% in this case. The tempered martensite structure is also a finedistribution of iron carbides in a ferrite matrix. The main differencebetween conventional and new structures is related to the morphology ofthe ferrite grains and sub-grains, and the dislocation density. However,regarding refinement and homogeneity, both structures are very similar.

In FIGS. 9A-B are shown scanning electron micrographs corresponding tothe ERW line. It is clear that in the conventional structure twomicro-constituents appear: there are soft ferrite grains and hard blockscomposed of a mixture of fine pearlite, martensite and some retainedaustenite. In this type of structure plastic strain is localized in theferrite, and cracks can nucleate and propagate in the neighboringbrittle constituents (non-tempered martensite and high carbon retainedaustenite). On the other hand, the ERW line microstructure obtained withchemistry and processing conditions within the ranges of this disclosureis homogeneous and very similar to the corresponding base metalstructure.

Microstructures corresponding to the HAZ of the ERW are presented inFIGS. 10A-B. In the standard material it is clear the appearance of theremnant of the central segregation band, which after seam annealing ispartially transformed into non-tempered martensite. Again, these arebrittle constituents that are localized along the ERW line, and cannucleate and propagate cracks during service. The risk of failure ishigher than in previous case because of the larger size of the justmentioned constituents. On the other hand, in the quenched and temperedcoiled tubing the structure close to the ERW line is homogeneous, andthe remnants of the central segregation band are not observed.

In FIGS. 11A-B are presented some scanning electron micrographscorresponding to the bias-weld HAZ of both conventional coiled tube andthis disclosure. For the conventional material the microstructure isvery different than in Base Metal (BM). It is mainly composed of upperbainite and the grain size is large (50 microns in comparison of lessthan 15 microns for the BM). This type of coarse structure is notadequate for low cycle fatigue because cracks can easily propagate alongbainitic laths. An example of a fatigue crack running across coarsebainite in the bias weld is shown in FIG. 12. This is a secondary cracklocated close to the main failure occurred during service of a standardcoiled tubing grade 110.

On the other hand, the bias weld microstructure in this disclosure isagain very similar to that corresponding to the base metal. No upperbainite grains were observed. It is important to mention that somebainite may appear after the full body heat treatment, but because ofthe selection of adequate chemistry and processing conditions, thecorresponding volume fraction of this constituent is lower than 10%.This is the main reason for the good hardenability to the chemistriesdescribed in this disclosure. Additionally, due to the upper limit inthe austenitization temperature the final grain size is small (lowerthan 20 microns), then large bainitic laths that can propagate cracksare completely avoided.

Other examples of the microstructural homogeneity achievable by thecombination of steel chemistry and processing conditions disclosed inthis disclosure are presented in FIGS. 13-14. In FIG. 13 is shown thetypical variation in hardness across the bias weld for coiled tubesproduced conventionally compiled to that obtained using the newchemistry and processing route. It is clear that when using thisdisclosure the hardness variation is strongly reduced. As a consequence,the tendency of the material to accumulate strain in localized regions(in this case the HAZ of the bias weld) is also reduced, and the fatiguelife improved.

In FIGS. 14A-B are shown some microstructures corresponding to theintersection between the bias weld and the ERW line. It is clear thatlarge microstructural heterogeneities are obtained following theconventional route. These heterogeneities are successfully eliminatedusing the chemistry and processing conditions disclosed in thisdisclosure.

Example E: Coiled Tube Fatigue Testing

In order to compare the performance of coiled tubing produced accordingto this disclosure with that corresponding to standard products, aseries of tests were performed at laboratory. Coiled tube samples weretested in a fatigue machine schematically shown in FIG. 15. This machineis able to simulate the bending deformations during spooling andun-spooling operations, applying at the same time internal pressures.Therefore, the tests are useful to rank materials under low-cyclefatigue conditions that are close to those experienced during actualfield operation.

During testing, the fatigue specimens (tube pieces 5 or 6 feet long) areclamped on one end while an alternative force is applied by a hydraulicactuator on the opposite end. Deformation cycles are applied on the testspecimens by bending samples over a curved mandrel of fixed radius, andthen straightening them against a straight backup. Steel caps are weldedat the ends of the specimen and connected to a hydraulic pump, so thatcycling is conducted with the specimen filled with water at a constantinternal pressure until it fails. The test ends when a loss of internalpressure occurs, due to the development of a crack through the wallthickness.

Testing was performed on coiled tubing with different chemistries andgrades, as shown in Table E1. The pipe geometry was the same in allcases (OD 2″, WT 0.19″). STD1, STD2 and STD3 are steels within thelimits described in API 5ST, processed following the standard route,BTi₁, BTi₂ and CrMoBTi₄ are chemistries selected and processed accordingto this disclosure. It is important to mention that CrMoBTi₄ steel wasused to produce two non-standard grades with 125 Ksi and 140 Ksi ofminimum yield strength (the highest grade described in API 5ST has 110Ksi of SMYS). Tests were performed on tube pieces with and without thebias weld (in all cases the longitudinal ERW line is included in thesamples). The severity of the test mainly depends on two parameters:bend radius and inner pressure. In this study the bend radius was 48inches, which corresponds to a plastic strain of about 2%. Innerpressures between 1600 psi and 13500 psi were considered, producing hoopstresses that ranged from about 10% to 60% of the minimum yield strengthof the grades.

TABLE E1 Steel chemistries and coiled tube grades analyzed in thisstudy. C Mn Si Cr Mo Steel (wt %) (wt %) (wt %) (wt %) (wt %) OtherGrade STD1 0.13 0.80 0.35 0.52 — Ni, Cu, Ti 80 STD2 0.14 0.80 0.33 0.550.10 Ni, Cu, Nb—Ti 90 STD3 0.14 0.80 0.34 0.57 0.32 Ni, Cu, Nb—Ti 110 BTi1 0.17 1.60 0.20 — — B—Ti 80 BTi2 0.25 1.30 0.20 — — B—Ti  90, 110CrMoBTi4 0.26 0.60 0.16 0.50 0.25 B—Ti 125, 140

In FIG. 16 is presented some results regarding the comparison betweenthe fatigue life measured in samples with and without the Bias Weld(BW). The values shown in the figure correspond to the averages obtainedwhen testing conventional and non-conventional coiled tubes grades. Inthe case of the conventional material there is clearly a reduction infatigue life when testing samples containing the bias weld. On the otherhand, the coiled tubes produced according to this disclosure do notpresent an important change in fatigue life when the tests are performedon BW samples. This is a consequence of the tube homogeneous structure,with almost no differences in mechanical properties between base metal,ERW line and bias weld.

In FIG. 17 is shown the coiled tube fatigue life improvements obtainedwith chemistries and processing conditions as disclosed by thisdisclosure. For Grades 80, 90 and 110 the comparison was made againstthe equivalent grade produced by the conventional route. In the case ofgrades 125 and 140, which are non-standard, the fatigue life comparisonwas performed against STD3 steel in Grade 110 tested under the similarconditions (pipe geometry, bend radius and inner pressure). The resultspresented in the figure correspond to average values for each grade, theerror bars represent the dispersion obtained when using different innerpressures.

In FIG. 17 it is clear that a notorious improvement of fatigue life isobserved when using chemistries and processing conditions according tothis disclosure. For example, in Grade 110 there was an improvement ofabout 100% in fatigue life. This is a consequence of the fact that inconventional coiled tubing the fatigue performance is limited to that ofthe bias weld (which is generally the weak point regarding low cyclefatigue, because its microstructural heterogeneities and brittleconstituents). In coiled tubes produced according to this disclosurethere is no important fatigue life reduction at bias weld, whichstrongly increases the overall performance of the tube. Regarding thenon-standard grades, the large improvement in fatigue life is due to thefact that the comparison is made against a conventional 110 grade testedunder similar processing conditions. However, for the same innerpressures the applied hoop stresses are closer to the minimum yieldstrength of the lower grade, and the test severity increases for grade110 in comparison to grades 125 and 140. These results show that byusing higher grades (not achievable with the conventional method)fatigue life is strongly increased for the same service conditions.

Example F: Sulfide Stress Cracking Resistance

Material performance in regards to hydrogen embrittlement in H₂Scontaining environments is related to the combined effects of corrosiveenvironments, presence of traps (e.g. precipitates and dislocations)that could locally increase hydrogen concentration, as well as thepresence of brittle areas, in which cracks could easily propagate. Apossible source of critical brittle regions in conventional coiledtubing material is the segregation pattern of substitutional elements,such as Mn, in the raw material. Regions of differential concentrationstend to respond in a distinct way to thermal cycles imposed during biasweld, PWHT, ERW and seam annealing, and could lead to the localformation of brittle constituents. In particular, when the material isseam annealed after the ERW process, the pipe body quickly extracts heatfrom the weld area. If the segregation is high enough, elongated highhardness areas with the possible presence of martensite may be formed asa consequence of the cooling conditions. These areas will remain in thetube to become easy paths for crack propagation. The fact that the newprocess is applied as the last stage of manufacturing, allows for theminimization of the excessively hardened areas. Other relevantdifferences are: a) the dislocations introduced during pipe cold formingare not present in the new product, b) the carbides in new product aresmaller and isolated in comparison with the typical pearlite/bainitelong brittle carbides. As a consequence the coiled tube produced withchemistries and processing conditions according to this disclosurepresents an improved performance to cracking in H₂S containingenvironments.

TABLE F1 Steel chemistries and coiled tube grades analyzed in thisstudy. C (wt Mn Si Cr Mo Steel %) (wt %) (wt %) (wt %) (wt %) OtherGrade STD1 0.13 0.80 0.35 0.52 — Ni, Cu, Ti 80 BTi1 0.17 1.60 0.20 — —B—Ti 80

In order to perform a first analysis on resistance to SSC cracking,coiled tube Grade 80 samples produced by i) the standard process and ii)the new chemistry-process were evaluated using method C (C-ring) of NACETM0177. Steel chemistries are shown in Table F1. Both materials (3specimens in each case) were tested with the ERW seam at center ofC-ring sample, using the following conditions:

Load: 90% of 80 Ksi, Solution A, 1 bar H₂S, Test Time: 720 hs

In the case of the standard coiled tube all 3 specimens failed. On theother hand, the 3 samples corresponding to the new chemistry-processpassed the lest (FIGS. 5A-B with pictures of C-rings). Although moretests are ongoing to analyze embrittlement resistance of differentgrades, as well as the effect of the bias weld, this first result showsa clear improvement in comparison with the standard condition, ascribedto a more homogeneous microstructure of base metal and ERW line in thecase of the new process route.

As shown in FIGS. 18A-B, the C ring formed by the conventional processhas a large crack down the middle, whereas the C ring formed byembodiments of the disclosed process did not crack.

In some embodiments, B—Ti and Cr—Mo additions can reduce maximum Mn. Insome embodiments, grades may be higher than 110 that are difficult toachieve using the standard method.

Features, materials, characteristics, or groups described in conjunctionwith a particular aspect, embodiment, or example are to be understood tobe applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example describedherein unless incompatible herewith. All of the features disclosed inthis specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract anddrawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process sodisclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations whereat least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. Theprotection is not restricted to the details of any foregoingembodiments. The protection extends to any novel one, or any novelcombination, of the features disclosed in this specification (includingany accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, orany novel combination, of the steps of any method or process sodisclosed.

While certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments havebeen presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit thescope of protection. Indeed, the novel methods and apparatuses describedherein may be embodied in a variety of other forms. Furthermore, variousomissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the methods,compositions and apparatuses described herein may be made. Those skilledin the art will appreciate that in some embodiments, the actual stepstaken in the processes illustrated and/or disclosed may differ fromthose shown in the figures. Depending on the embodiment, certain of thesteps described above may be removed, others may be added. Furthermore,the features and attributes of the specific embodiments disclosed abovemay be combined in different ways to form additional embodiments, all ofwhich fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

Although the present disclosure includes certain embodiments, examplesand applications, it will be understood by those skilled in the art thatthe present disclosure extends beyond the specifically disclosedembodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses and obviousmodifications and equivalent thereof, including embodiments which do notprovide all of the features and advantages set forth herein.Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is not intended to belimited by the specific disclosures of preferred embodiments herein, andmay be defined by claims as presented herein or as presented in thefuture.

1-22. (canceled)
 23. A method of forming and heat treating a tube foruse as a coiled tubing string in a wellbore, the method comprising: biaswelding a plurality of base metal steel strips together end to end toform a plurality of welded strips and longitudinally welding theplurality of strips to form a length of a tube, said length of the tubehaving one or more microstructures; and after forming the tube,performing a full body heat treatment along the length of the tubethereby modifying the one or more microstructures of the tube to createa treated tube with a final microstructure across: (a) base metalregions, (b) bias weld joints, and (c) heat affected zones; wherein thefinal microstructure of the treated tube comprises more than 90 volume %tempered martensite and 0 volume % to less than about 10 volume %bainite; wherein hardness is substantially uniform along substantiallyall of a length of the treated tube; and wherein a yield strength of thetreated tube is greater than about 80 ksi.
 24. The method of claim 23,wherein performing the full body heat treatment along the length of thetube forms a treated tube having a percent hardness of a plurality ofthe bias weld joints, including their respective heat affected zones,that is 110% or less than a hardness of adjacent base metal regions. 25.The method of claim 23, wherein performing the full body heat treatmentalong the length of the tube forms a treated tube having a percenthardness of each of the bias weld joints, including their respectiveheat affected zones, that is 110% or less than a hardness of adjacentbase metal regions.
 26. The method of claim 23, wherein performing thefull body heat treatment along the length of the tube forms a treatedtube having a yield strength that is substantially uniform along thelength of the treated tube.
 27. The method of claim 23, whereinperforming the full body heat treatment along the length of the tubeforms a treated tube having a yield strength of at least 110 ksi. 28.The method of claim 23, wherein performing the full body heat treatmentalong the length of the tube forms a treated tube having a yieldstrength of at least 125 ksi.
 29. The method of claim 23, whereinperforming the full body heat treatment along the length of the tubeforms a treated tube having a yield strength between 80 ksi and 140 ksi.30. The method of claim 23, wherein performing the full body heattreatment along the length of the tube forms a treated tube wherein thefinal microstructure is homogeneous.
 31. The method of claim 23, whereinperforming the full body heat treatment along the length of the tubeforms a treated tube wherein the final microstructure of the treatedtube comprises a uniform distribution of fine carbides.
 32. The methodof claim 23, wherein performing the full body heat treatment along thelength of the tube comprises translating the tube through a heattreatment system that performs heating action, cooling action, or both.33. The method of claim 23, wherein performing the full body heattreatment along the length of the tube comprises at least one quenchingoperation, at least one intermediate operation, and at least onetempering operation along the length of the tube.
 34. The method ofclaim 23, wherein performing the full body heat treatment along thelength of the tube comprises at least one quenching operation and atleast one tempering operation.
 35. The method of claim 34, whereinperforming the full body heat treatment along the length of the tubecomprises a continuous quench and temper process.
 36. The method ofclaim 35, wherein performing the full body heat treatment along thelength of the tube comprises multiple quench and temper steps.
 37. Themethod of claim 23, wherein performing the full body heat treatmentalong the length of the tube comprises at least one cycle each ofaustenitization, quenching, and tempering.
 38. The method of claim 37,wherein the tempering is carried out at temperatures between 550 degreesC. and 720 degrees C.
 39. The method of claim 37, wherein theaustenitization is performed at temperatures between 900 degrees C. and1000 degrees C.
 40. The method of claim 37, wherein a cooling rate ofthe quenching is equal to or lower than 30 degrees C./sec.
 41. Themethod of claim 23, wherein performing the full body heat treatmentalong the length of the tube comprises at least one cycle ofaustenitization and quenching, followed by tempering.
 42. The method ofclaim 41, wherein the tempering is carried out at temperatures between550 degrees C. and 720 degrees C.
 43. The method of claim 41, whereinthe austenitization is performed at temperatures between 900 degrees C.and 1000 degrees C.
 44. The method of claim 41, wherein a cooling rateof the quenching is equal to or lower than 30 degrees C./sec.
 45. Themethod of claim 23, wherein at least one predetermined parameter of thefull body heat treatment along the length of the tube is selected from agroup consisting of temperature, soak time, heating rate, and coolingrate.
 46. The method of claim 23, wherein the final microstructurecomprises at least 95 volume % tempered martensite and 0 volume % toless than about 5 volume % bainite in the base metal regions, the biasweld joints, and the heat affected zones.
 47. The method of claim 23,wherein performing the full body heat treatment along the length of thetube forms a treated tube having a final grain size of below 20 μm inthe base metal regions, the bias weld joints, and the heat affectedzones.
 48. The method of claim 47, wherein performing the full body heattreatment along the length of the tube forms a treated tube having afinal grain size of below 15 μm in the base metal regions, the bias weldjoints, and the heat affected zones.
 49. The method of claim 23, furthercomprising sizing the treated tube following the full body heattreatment.
 50. The method of claim 49, further comprising multiple fullbody heat treatment steps and multiple sizing steps.
 51. The method ofclaim 23, further comprising: after full body heat treatment along thelength of the tube, conducting an initial sizing operation to reduce anouter diameter of the length of the tube; after the initial sizingoperation, conducting another heat treatment along the length of thetube; and conducting a final sizing operation to further reduce theouter diameter along the length of the tube.
 52. The method of claim 23,wherein performing the full body heat treatment along the length of thetube forms a treated tube having a fatigue life that is at least 100%greater than an equivalent grade steel which has not undergone the fullbody heat treatment.
 53. The method of claim 23, wherein performing thefull body heat treatment along the length of the tube forms a treatedtube having a fatigue life at the bias weld joints that is at leastabout 80% of the fatigue life at the base metal regions.
 54. The methodof claim 23, further including: after forming the tube, coiling the tubeon a spool; uncoiling the tube from the spool and performing the fullbody heat treatment along the length of the tube; and re-coiling thetreated tube after performing the full body heat treatment along thelength of the tube.
 55. The method of claim 23, wherein the plurality ofsteel strips welded together comprise a boron-titanium steel.
 56. Themethod of claim 23, wherein the plurality of steel strips weldedtogether include from about 0.010 wt. % to about 0.030 wt. % titaniumand from about 0.0005 wt. % to about 0.0030 wt. % of boron.
 57. Themethod of claim 23, wherein the plurality of steel strips weldedtogether include from about 0.30 wt. % to about 2.0 wt. % manganese. 58.The method of claim 23, wherein the plurality of steel strips weldedtogether include from about 0.10 wt. % to about 0.35 wt. % silicon. 59.The method of claim 23, wherein the plurality of steel strips weldedtogether include from about 0.16 wt. % to about 0.35 wt. % carbon. 60.The method of claim 23, wherein the plurality of steel strips weldedtogether include up to about 0.010 wt. % sulfur.
 61. The method of claim60, wherein the plurality of steel strips welded together include up toabout 0.005 wt. % sulfur.
 62. The method of claim 23, wherein theplurality of steel strips welded together include from about 0.010 wt. %to about 0.040 wt. % aluminum.
 63. The method of claim 23, wherein theplurality of steel strips welded together include up to 0.018 wt. %phosphorus.
 64. The method of claim 23, wherein a total length of thetreated tube is between 10,000 feet and 40,000 feet.
 65. A method offorming and heat treating a tube for use as a coiled tubing string in awellbore, the method comprising: bias welding a plurality of base metalsteel strips together end to end to form a plurality of welded stripsand longitudinally welding the plurality of strips to form a length of atube, said length of the tube having one or more microstructures; andafter forming the tube, performing a full body heat treatment along thelength of the tube thereby modifying the one or more microstructures ofthe tube to create a treated tube with a final microstructure across:(a) base metal regions, (b) bias weld joints, and (c) heat affectedzones; wherein the final microstructure of the treated tube comprisesmore than 90 volume % tempered martensite and 0 volume % to less thanabout 10 volume % bainite; a percent hardness of a plurality of the biasweld joints, including their respective heat affected zones, that is110% or less than a hardness of adjacent base metal regions; and whereina yield strength of the treated tube is greater than about 80 ksi. 66.The method of claim 65, wherein performing the full body heat treatmentalong the length of the tube forms a treated tube with the finalmicrostructure being homogeneous.
 67. The method of claim 65, whereinperforming the full body heat treatment along the length of the tubeforms a treated tube having the final microstructure of the treated tubecomprising a uniform distribution of fine carbides.
 68. The method ofclaim 65, wherein performing the full body heat treatment along thelength of the tube forms a treated tube having a yield strength that issubstantially uniform along the length of the treated tube.
 69. Themethod of claim 65, wherein performing the full body heat treatmentalong the length of the tube forms a treated tube having a percenthardness of each of the bias weld joints, including each of theirrespective heat affected zones, that is 110% or less than a hardness ofadjacent base metal regions.